Western Australia needed just two balls to finish off Tasmania’s second innings to start the third day but they still require a massive 357 to win the Sheffield Shield match at the WACA Ground.
Tasmania finished the second day with a lead of 352 and were 9-238 in their second innings before rain and bad light ended play slightly early.
No.11 Adam Maher came out on Saturday morning and smashed Burt Cockley’s first delivery for a boundary to third man, but then meekly lobbed the second straight to Michael Hogan at mid-on.
He was out for five and left Jason Krejza not out on 23 with Tasmania all out for 242 to set WA the unlikely target of 357 to win the match after they were all out for a paltry 97 in their first innings.
WA captain Michael Hussey won the toss and sent Tasmania into bat on the opening day and it looked to be a masterstroke when the Tigers were 8-138, but they then scraped their way to a competitive 211.
That was then more than competitive when the Warriors were 6-54 at stumps on the opening day and then all out for 97 early on Friday.
The bowler-friendly wicket still made batting tough for Tasmania, but Ricky Ponting with 76 recorded the only half-century of the match to date.
With Alex Doolan also adding a handy 33, Jon Wells 43 and Krejza 23 not out to go with his 36 in the first innings, Tasmania still posted 242 to give them what appears to be a match-winning lead.
If they do win, the six points will put the Tigers right in contention for next month’s Shield final.
WA’s bowlers worked hard with Ryan Duffield taking 4-71 in his first game for his state this season. Cockley took 3-65, Hogan 1-43 and teenage left-arm spinner Ashton Agar 1-52.